Winter - the time of year that is not only pleasing to the fluffy snow and lots of holidays. Owners of water supply systems are often faced with a lack of water in the building because of the freezing fluid inside the tubes. Fortunately, the problem can be eliminated: it is necessary to determine the focus of the appearance of ice, and select the appropriate method of warming. Let's find out why there can be such situation and how warm the frozen HDPE pipe under the ground.
Causes
As is well known, it is better to try to prevent a problem than to seek ways to eliminate it. According to experts, most often water freezes in the winter for the following reasons:
- mistakes were made during the design or installation of the plumbing system;
- Pipes were laid deep enough underground. Recall that the norm - not less than two meters under the ground;
- Downtime in the pipe under the ground. The constant circulation of water provides the lack thereof, so there is less likelihood that the frozen liquid;
- The lack of insulation. Do not neglect the warming water communications, especially if you live in the regions, which are characterized by low temperatures in the winter season;
- Abnormal frosts. Not to mention the natural factor as to why such a situation may arise: the temperature air suddenly dropped to the lowest level, due to which chilled water communications, the tube frozen.
To avoid future problems, it is necessary initially to take care of the proper development of water supply systems. If the pipes in the ground is still frozen, follow the instructions below for their warming.
Search freezing place
In order to remove the water, from communication, you need to determine its location. Since for the most part they are underground, to conduct an external inspection will fail, so it is necessary to perform the procedure using the materials at hand.
First, you need to seek the pipes in the ground. In such cases, experts use acoustic method:
- Water supply in the building temporarily blocked;
- In the visible part of the water distribution system (inside home) removed one of the communication elements;
- In the ensuing hole starts acoustic locator. Due to the nature of water pipes HDPE water noise is clearly audible. According to the characteristic sounds can determine their location.
Above we have looked at how to find a polyethylene pipe in the ground. To determine the localization of ice therein may be essentially the same manner: water in the hole system is inserted a long metal wire. It is necessary to gradually promote deeper, making measurements until the obstacle appears on the path. This way you can determine how far from the starting point is the cause of the problem.
thawing techniques
There are several ways of warming, effective in the case of HDPE pipes:
- steam generator;
- With Esmarch circles;
- Hydrodynamic machine;
- Kettle.
Let us consider each of these methods in more detail in the following sections.
steam generator
This device allows you to quickly remove ice cap. the algorithm next to him:
- The steam generator capacity to pour 2-3 liters of fluid, the heat resistant sleeve is then connected to the protection valve;
- Hose make a water pipe to form a space ice obstacles;
- Turn on the appliance and wait for a few tens of minutes result.
The disadvantage of using the apparatus - the occurrence of a jet of water from the pipe at the end of the procedure, however may require some buckets and assistants.
With Esmarch mug
The advantage of this method is its low cost: the use of douches mug does not include costly. For the procedure you will need:
- Steel wire. Its length must coincide with the meter tube;
- Esmarch's irrigator. Buy it at any pharmacy;
- The water level of the desired length;
- Insulating tape.
First you need to equalize the water level and the steel tube. These two elements must be secured with duct tape. Wire provides the hardness level of water, so it will be easy to push the pipe.
The mug Esmarch pour the boiled water to stop. One end of the water level to connect apparatus in the second pipe skipping to localization ice plugs. Under the hole should substitute a bucket as a few tens of minutes from there begin to pour cold water, which indicates the success of the procedure.
The liquid moves quickly through the water level, but the defrost cycle is quite slow: one hour thawing no more than one meter of the pipeline.
hydrodynamic machine
This unit is capable of a few minutes to shatter the ice cap a powerful jet of hot liquid, so the method is suitable for people who do not want to spend all day in the struggle with the ice.
To start using the device you need to connect a hose that often comes with it. In a special tank typed water, which is then heated by the hydrodynamic machine. The hose pipe is introduced to the place of ice localization. After turning on the unit produces steam, which quickly removes ice cap.
The disadvantage of this method lies in the fact that the hydraulic machine is quite expensive, and buy it for single use impractical. Further, careless use of this device may cause steam burns. If you are not sure that will be able to operate the machine, it is better to consult a specialist, who will perform the process for an additional fee.
boiler
The principle of this method lies in the fact that the ice, which prevents the passage of liquid in the water supply turns into boiling water.
For the procedure will need a heater, two copper wire with the section 5 and 3 mm along the tube. The algorithm works:
- Strip the wire a few centimeters at the edges. This is necessary in order to fix them to the device;
- Securely fasten the steel wire to the boiler a few turns. Take care that they do not touch each other, otherwise avoid negative consequences;
- Lower the water heater in the water before freezing place and connect it to the network.
defrosting time of ice depends on its thickness: in some cases, lacking only 20 minutes, and sometimes you need to wait 2-3 hours.
Earlier we have studied ways to defrost and defrost as the HDPE pipe under the ground. If none of these methods did not help you, it is wise to consult a specialist to fix the problem.